[Federal Register Volume 77, Number 187 (Wednesday, September 26, 2012)]
[Proposed Rules]
[Pages 59146-59149]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 2012-23639]


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DEPARTMENT OF TRANSPORTATION

Federal Aviation Administration

14 CFR Part 39

[Docket No. FAA-2012-1001; Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-020-AD]
RIN 2120-AA64


Airworthiness Directives; Cessna Aircraft Company Airplanes

AGENCY: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), DOT.

ACTION: Notice of proposed rulemaking (NPRM).

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SUMMARY: We propose to adopt a new airworthiness directive (AD) for 
certain Cessna Aircraft Company Model 500, 501, 550, 551, S550, 560, 
560XL, and 650 airplanes. This proposed AD was prompted by multiple 
reports of smoke and/or fire in the tailcone caused by sparking due to 
excessive wear of the brushes in the air conditioning (A/C) motor. This 
proposed AD would require an inspection to determine the accumulated 
hours on certain A/C drive motor assemblies; repetitive replacement of 
the brushes in the drive motor assembly, or as an option to the brush 
replacement, deactivation of the air conditioner; and return of 
replaced brushes to Cessna. We are proposing this AD to prevent the 
brushes in the A/C motor from wearing down beyond their limits, which 
could result in the rivet in the brush contacting the commutator 
causing sparks and consequent fire and/or smoke in the tailcone with no 
means to detect or extinguish the fire and/or smoke.

DATES: We must receive comments on this proposed AD by November 13, 
2012.

ADDRESSES: You may send comments, using the procedures found in 14 CFR 
11.43 and 11.45, by any of the following methods:
     Federal eRulemaking Portal: Go to http://www.regulations.gov. Follow the instructions for submitting comments.
     Fax: 202-493-2251.
     Mail: U.S. Department of Transportation, Docket 
Operations, M-30, West Building Ground Floor, Room W12-140, 1200 New 
Jersey Avenue SE., Washington, DC 20590.
     Hand Delivery: Deliver to Mail address above between 9 
a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal holidays.
    For service information identified in this proposed AD, contact 
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277; telephone 316-
517-6215; fax 316-517-5802; email [email protected]; 
Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html. You may review 
copies of the referenced service information at the FAA, Transport 
Airplane Directorate, 1601 Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information 
on the availability of this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

Examining the AD Docket

    You may examine the AD docket on the Internet at http://www.regulations.gov; or in person at the Docket Management Facility 
between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m., Monday through Friday, except Federal 
holidays. The AD docket contains this proposed AD, the regulatory 
evaluation, any comments received, and other information. The street 
address for the Docket Office (phone: 800-647-5527) is in the ADDRESSES 
section. Comments will be available in the AD docket shortly after 
receipt.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Christine Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, 
Electrical Systems and Avionics, ACE-119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft 
Certification Office (ACO), 1801 Airport Road, Room 100, Mid-Continent 
Airport, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4165; fax: 316-946-4107; 
email: [email protected].

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION:

Comments Invited

    We invite you to send any written relevant data, views, or 
arguments about this proposal. Send your comments to an address listed 
under the ADDRESSES section. Include ``Docket No. FAA-2012-1001; 
Directorate Identifier 2012-NM-020-AD'' at the beginning of your 
comments. We specifically invite comments on the overall regulatory, 
economic, environmental, and energy aspects of this proposed AD. We 
will consider all comments received by the closing date and may amend 
this proposed AD because of those comments.
    We will post all comments we receive, without change, to http://www.regulations.gov, including any personal information you provide. We 
will also post a report summarizing each substantive verbal contact we 
receive about this proposed AD.

Discussion

    We have received more than 10 reports of smoke/fire (three reports 
of fire) in the tailcone of Cessna Aircraft Company Model 525, 550, and 
560 airplanes, where investigation revealed brushes had worn beyond 
their limits on the part number (P/N) 1134104-1 A/

[[Page 59147]]

C compressor motors. The motor assembly is located in the airplane 
tailcone where flammable fluids in the form of fuel lines and 
hydraulics are present. There is no fire detection or extinguishing 
system in the tailcone. We are proposing this AD to prevent the brushes 
in the air conditioning motor from wearing down beyond their limits, 
which could result in the rivet in the brush contacting the commutator 
causing sparks and consequent fire and/or smoke in the tailcone with no 
means to detect or extinguish the fire and/or smoke.
    The subject part, P/N 1134104-1 A/C compressor motors, might also 
be installed on Model 500, 501, 551, S550, 560XL, and 650 airplanes. 
Therefore, those Model 500, 501, 551, S550, 560XL, and 650 airplanes 
might be subject to the unsafe condition revealed on Model 525, 550, 
and 560 airplanes.

Relevant Service Information

    We have reviewed the following service information:
     Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 10, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 550, -0801 and On Maintenance Manual.
     Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 8, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 550/551 Maintenance Manual.
     Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 560, -0001 and On Maintenance Manual.
     Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 13, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 560XL, (560XL -5001 thru -5500), (560XL -5501 thru -6000), 
(560XL -6001 and On) Maintenance Manual.
     Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 30, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 650 Maintenance Manual.
     Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 4, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 500/501, (-0001 thru -0349), (-0350 thru -0689) 
Maintenance Manual.
     Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 7, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model S550 Maintenance Manual.
    The service information describes procedures for replacement of 
life-limited components including P/N 1134104-1 A/C compressor motor 
brushes.

FAA's Determination

    We are proposing this AD because we evaluated all the relevant 
information and determined the unsafe condition described previously is 
likely to exist or develop in other products of the same type design.

Proposed AD Requirements

    This proposed AD would require an inspection to determine if 
certain A/C compressor motors are installed, an inspection of the A/C 
compressor hour meter that has P/N 1134104-1 or 1134104-5 A/C 
compressor motors installed, repetitive replacement of the brushes, or 
deactivation of the A/C system with installation of a placard 
prohibiting use of the A/C system until replacement of the brushes as 
an option to the brush replacement. This proposed AD would also 
require, when the brushes are replaced, reporting of aircraft 
information related to the replacement of the brushes and sending the 
replaced motor brushes to Cessna Aircraft Company for two replacement 
cycles.

Interim Action

    We consider this proposed AD interim action. The reporting data 
required by this proposed AD will enable us to obtain better insight 
into brush wear. The reporting data will also indicate if the 
replacement intervals we established are adequate. After we analyze the 
reporting data received, we might consider further rulemaking.
    Model 525 airplanes are not subject to this proposed AD. We are 
currently considering requiring similar actions for these airplanes.

Costs of Compliance

    We estimate that this proposed AD will affect 1,987 airplanes of 
U.S. registry.
    We estimate the following costs to comply with this proposed AD:

                                                 Estimated Costs
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                                                                                                 Cost on U.S.
             Action                   Labor cost          Parts cost       Cost per product        operators
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Inspection, drive motor assembly  11 work-hours x     $252 per            $1,187 per          $2,358,569 per
 brush replacement; and parts      $85 per hour =      replacement cycle.  replacement cycle.  replacement cycle
 return and reporting.             $935 per
                                   replacement cycle.
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Authority for This Rulemaking

    Title 49 of the United States Code specifies the FAA's authority to 
issue rules on aviation safety. Subtitle I, section 106, describes the 
authority of the FAA Administrator. Subtitle VII: Aviation Programs, 
describes in more detail the scope of the Agency's authority.
    We are issuing this rulemaking under the authority described in 
Subtitle VII, Part A, Subpart III, Section 44701: ``General 
requirements.'' Under that section, Congress charges the FAA with 
promoting safe flight of civil aircraft in air commerce by prescribing 
regulations for practices, methods, and procedures the Administrator 
finds necessary for safety in air commerce. This regulation is within 
the scope of that authority because it addresses an unsafe condition 
that is likely to exist or develop on products identified in this 
rulemaking action.

Regulatory Findings

    We determined that this proposed AD would not have federalism 
implications under Executive Order 13132. This proposed AD would not 
have a substantial direct effect on the States, on the relationship 
between the national Government and the States, or on the distribution 
of power and responsibilities among the various levels of government.
    For the reasons discussed above, I certify this proposed 
regulation:
    (1) Is not a ``significant regulatory action'' under Executive 
Order 12866,
    (2) Is not a ``significant rule'' under the DOT Regulatory Policies 
and Procedures (44 FR 11034, February 26, 1979),
    (3) Will not affect intrastate aviation in Alaska, and

[[Page 59148]]

    (4) Will not have a significant economic impact, positive or 
negative, on a substantial number of small entities under the criteria 
of the Regulatory Flexibility Act.

List of Subjects in 14 CFR Part 39

    Air transportation, Aircraft, Aviation safety, Incorporation by 
reference, Safety.

The Proposed Amendment

    Accordingly, under the authority delegated to me by the 
Administrator, the FAA proposes to amend 14 CFR part 39 as follows:

PART 39--AIRWORTHINESS DIRECTIVES

    1. The authority citation for part 39 continues to read as follows:

    Authority:  49 U.S.C. 106(g), 40113, 44701.


Sec.  39.13  [Amended]

    2. The FAA amends Sec.  39.13 by adding the following new 
airworthiness directive (AD):

Cessna Aircraft Company: Docket No. FAA-2012-1001; Directorate 
Identifier 2012-NM-020-AD.

(a) Comments Due Date

    We must receive comments by November 13, 2012.

(b) Affected ADs

    None.

(c) Applicability

    This AD applies to the following Cessna Aircraft Company 
airplanes, certificated in any category.
    (1) Model 500 and 501 airplanes, serial number (S/N) 0001 
through 0689 inclusive.
    (2) Model 550 and 551 airplanes, S/N 0002 through 0733 
inclusive, and 0801 through 1136 inclusive.
    (3) Model S550 airplanes, S/N 0001 through 0160 inclusive.
    (4) Model 560 airplanes, S/N 0001 through 0707 inclusive, and 
0751 through 0815 inclusive.
    (5) Model 560XL airplanes, S/N 5001 through 5300 inclusive.
    (6) Model 650 airplanes, S/N 0200 through 0241 inclusive, and 
7001 though 7119 inclusive.

(d) Subject

    Joint Aircraft System Component (JASC)/Air Transport Association 
(ATA) of America Code 21, Air Conditioning.

(e) Unsafe Condition

    This AD was prompted by multiple reports of smoke and/or fire in 
the tailcone caused by sparking due to excessive wear of the brushes 
in the air conditioning (A/C) motor. We are issuing this AD to 
prevent the brushes in the A/C motor from wearing down, which could 
result in the rivet in the brush contacting the commutator causing 
sparks and consequent fire and/or smoke in the tailcone with no 
means to detect or extinguish the fire and/or smoke.

(f) Compliance

    Comply with this AD within the compliance times specified, 
unless already done.

(g) Part Number (P/N) Inspection

    Within 30 days or 10 flight hours after the effective date of 
this AD, whichever comes first: Inspect the A/C compressor motor to 
determine whether P/N 1134104-1 or P/N 1134104-5 is installed. A 
review of airplane maintenance records is acceptable in lieu of this 
inspection if the part number of the A/C compressor motor can be 
conclusively determined from that review.

(h) Inspection of Compressor Hour Meter and Maintenance Records

    If during the inspection required by paragraph (g) of this AD, 
any A/C compressor motor is found having P/N 1134104-1 or P/N 
1134104-5: Within 30 days or 10 flight hours after the effective 
date of this AD, whichever occurs first, determine the hour reading 
on the A/C compressor hour meter as specified in paragraphs (h)(1) 
and (h)(2) of this AD:
    (1) Inspect the number of hours on the A/C compressor hour 
meter; and
    (2) Check the airplane logbook for any entry for replacing the 
A/C compressor motor brushes with new brushes, or for replacing the 
compressor motor or compressor condenser module assembly (pallet) 
with a motor or assembly that has new brushes;
    (i) If the logbook contains an entry for replacement of parts as 
specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, determine the number of 
hours on the A/C compressor motor brushes by comparing the number of 
hours on the compressor motor since replacement and use this number 
in lieu of the number determined in paragraph (h)(1) of this AD; or
    (ii) If through the logbook check you cannot positively 
determine the number of hours on the A/C compressor motor brushes as 
specified in paragraph (h)(2) of this AD, use the number of hours on 
the A/C compressor hour meter determined in paragraph (h)(1) of this 
AD or presume the brushes have over 500 hours time-in-service.

(i) Replacement

    Using the hour reading on the A/C compressor hour meter 
determined in paragraph (h) of this AD, replace the A/C compressor 
motor brushes with new brushes at the later of the times specified 
in paragraphs (i)(1) and (i)(2) of this AD. Thereafter, repeat the 
replacement of the A/C compressor motor brushes at intervals not to 
exceed every 500 hours time-in-service on the A/C compressor motor. 
Do the replacement in accordance with the applicable Cessna 
maintenance manual listed in paragraphs (i)(3)(i) through 
(i)(3)(vii) of this AD.
    (1) Before or when the A/C compressor motor reaches a total of 
500 hours time-in-service; or
    (2) Before further flight after the inspection required in 
paragraph (h) of this AD.
    (3) Replace the A/C compressor motor brushes in accordance with 
the instructions in the applicable Cessna maintenance manual 
specified in paragraphs (i)(3)(i) through (i)(3)(vii) of this AD.
    (i) Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 10, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 550, -0801 and On Maintenance Manual.
    (ii) Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 8, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 550/551 Maintenance Manual.
    (iii) Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 20, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 560, -0001 and On Maintenance Manual.
    (iv) Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 13, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 560XL, (560XL-5001 thru -5500), (560XL-5501 thru -
6000), (560XL -6001 and On) Maintenance Manual.
    (v) Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 30, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 650 Maintenance Manual.
    (vi) Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 4, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model 500/501, (-0001 thru -0349), (-0350 thru -0689) 
Maintenance Manual.
    (vii) Subject 4-11-00, Replacement Time Limits, of Chapter 4, 
Airworthiness Limitations, Revision 7, dated April 23, 2012, of the 
Cessna Model S550 Maintenance Manual.

(j) Deactivation/Reactivation

    (1) In lieu of replacing the A/C compressor motor brushes as 
required by this AD, deactivate the A/C as follows: Pull the vapor 
cycle A/C circuit breaker, install a placard by the A/C selection 
switch prohibiting use of the vapor cycle air conditioner, and 
document deactivation of the system in the airplane logbook 
referring to this AD as the reason for deactivation. While the 
system is deactivated, airplane operators must remain aware of 
operating temperature limitations as detailed in the specific 
airplane flight manual.
    (2) If an operator chooses to deactivate the system and then 
later chooses to return the A/C to service: Before returning the A/C 
system to service and removing the placard, perform the inspection 
specified in paragraph (h) of this AD, and do the replacements 
specified in paragraph (i) of this AD at the times specified in 
paragraph (i) of this AD.

(k) Parts Return and Reporting Requirement

    For the first two A/C compressor motor brush replacement cycles 
on each airplane, send the brushes that were removed to Cessna 
Aircraft Company, Cessna Service Parts and Programs, 7121 Southwest 
Boulevard, Wichita, KS 67215. Provide the information specified in 
paragraphs (k)(1) through (k)(6) of this AD, at the applicable

[[Page 59149]]

time specified in paragraph (k)(7) or (k)(8) of this AD, along with 
the brushes.
    (1) The model and serial number of the airplane.
    (2) The part number of the motor.
    (3) The part number of the brushes, if known.
    (4) The elapsed amount of motor hours since the last brush/motor 
replacement, if known.
    (5) If motor hours are unknown, report the elapsed airplane 
flight hours since the last brush/motor replacement and indicate 
that motor hours are unknown; and
    (6) The number of motor hours currently displayed on the pallet 
hour meter.
    (7) If the replacement was done on or after the effective date 
of this AD: Within 30 days after the replacement.
    (8) If the replacement was done before the effective date of 
this AD: Within 30 days after the effective date of this AD.

(l) Parts Installation Prohibition

    As of the effective date of this AD, no person may install an A/
C compressor motor having P/N 1134104-1 or P/N 1134104-5, unless the 
inspection specified in paragraph (h) of this AD is done before 
further flight, and the replacements specified in paragraph (i) of 
this AD are done at the times specified in paragraph (i) of this AD.

(m) Special Flight Permit

    Operation of the A/C system is prohibited while flying with a 
special flight permit issued for this AD.

(n) Paperwork Reduction Act Burden Statement

    A federal agency may not conduct or sponsor, and a person is not 
required to respond to, nor shall a person be subject to a penalty 
for failure to comply with a collection of information subject to 
the requirements of the Paperwork Reduction Act unless that 
collection of information displays a current valid OMB Control 
Number. The OMB Control Number for this information collection is 
2120-0056. Public reporting for this collection of information is 
estimated to be approximately 5 minutes per response, including the 
time for reviewing instructions, completing and reviewing the 
collection of information. All responses to this collection of 
information are mandatory. Comments concerning the accuracy of this 
burden and suggestions for reducing the burden should be directed to 
the FAA at: 800 Independence Ave. SW., Washington, DC 20591, Attn: 
Information Collection Clearance Officer, AES-200.

(o) Alternative Methods of Compliance (AMOCs)

    (1) The Manager, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office (ACO), 
FAA, has the authority to approve AMOCs for this AD, if requested 
using the procedures found in 14 CFR 39.19. In accordance with 14 
CFR 39.19, send your request to your principal inspector or local 
Flight Standards District Office, as appropriate. If sending 
information directly to the manager of the ACO, send it to the 
attention of the person identified in the Related Information 
section of this AD.
    (2) Before using any approved AMOC, notify your appropriate 
principal inspector, or lacking a principal inspector, the manager 
of the local flight standards district office/certificate holding 
district office.

(p) Related Information

    (1) For more information about this AD, contact Christine 
Abraham, Aerospace Engineer, Electrical Systems and Avionics, ACE-
119W, FAA, Wichita Aircraft Certification Office, 1801 Airport Road, 
Room 100, Wichita, Kansas 67209; phone: 316-946-4165; fax: 316-946-
4107; email: [email protected].
    (2) For service information identified in this AD, contact 
Cessna Aircraft Co., P.O. Box 7706, Wichita, KS 67277; telephone 
316-517-6215; fax 316-517-5802; email 
[email protected]; Internet https://www.cessnasupport.com/newlogin.html. You may review copies of the 
service information at the FAA, Transport Airplane Directorate, 1601 
Lind Avenue SW., Renton, WA. For information on the availability of 
this material at the FAA, call 425-227-1221.

    Issued in Renton, Washington, on September 19, 2012.
Ali Bahrami,
Manager, Transport Airplane Directorate, Aircraft Certification 
Service.
[FR Doc. 2012-23639 Filed 9-25-12; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 4910-13-P